10 Super-Helpful Ways to Use Magnets

Everyday items become even more useful with a little magnetic magic.

These small, powerful discs or strips (look for them in varying strengths at a craft store) excel at creating vertical storage and a safe space for tiny items. Just remember to keep them away from kids who might swallow them as you try these ideas:

1. Secure a trash bag.
This trick works with metal wastebaskets: When you fold the trash bag over the top of the pail, affix it to the outside of the can with magnets.

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2. Hold pins while sewing.

Sarah Jane's Craft Blog

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Avoid a DIY disaster (hello, sharp pins all over the floor) by placing them in a dish doctored up with strong magnets. Learn how to make this one at Sarah Jane's Craft Blog.

3. Corral paper clips.
Place a magnet in your desk drawer to keeps metallic clips in one spot.

4. Stick up kids' cups.

Adventures in Pinteresting

Rheannon at Adventures in Pinteresting came up this genius idea to keep her kids from dirtying more than one glass each day. She glued magnets onto cups so they could hover on the fridge above the water dispenser. When her kids want a drink, they can quicky grab a cup and replace it for later when they're done.

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5. Add removable pizzazz to a lamp shade.

Twelve Oaks Manor

We love this creative idea from Angela at Twelve Oaks Manor. Add magnets to the back of decorative flowers and use them to pretty up a bare lamp shade. Then, easily remove them whenever you tire of the look.

6. Fix a drafty door.
To make sure your sliding door always closes completely, affix one magnet to the door, and another to the frame (check out the how-to in this video).

7. Organize your makeup.

Janicki Photography

Glue magnets to your favorite palettes and stick them up on a magnetic board, like Margaret did at Janicki Photography. This way, your countertop remains clear, but your makeup is still within easy reach.

8. Store aluminum foil and plastic wrap on the fridge.
It might not be the prettiest solution, but if you use these wraps often, consider placing small magnets inside the boxes. Then, you can place them on your fridge and grab them in a flash.

9. Create cute kitchen bin.

A Pretty Cool Life

Attach magnets onto vintage tins, like Cheryl at A Pretty Cool Life, to make fridge decor that also acts as an extra storage spot.

10. Keep tiny pieces nearby.

My Altered State

DIYers (and IKEA furniture builders) take note: Pauline at My Altered State shows off how to create a cuff that holds screws and other small bits steady.